Zearalenone and its metabolites, α-
zearalenol and β-
zearalenol, demonstrate
estradiol-like activity and disrupt physiological functions in animals. This article evaluates the carryover of
zearalenone and its selected metabolites from the digesta to intestinal walls (along the entire intestines) in pre-pubertal gilts exposed to low doses of
zearalenone over long periods of time. The term "carryover" describes the transfer of
mycotoxins from feed to edible tissues, and it was used to assess the risk of
mycotoxin exposure for consumers. The experimental gilts with
body weight of up to 25 kg were per os administered
zearalenone at a daily dose of 40 μg/kg BW (Group E, n = 18) or placebo (Group C, n = 21) over a period of 42 days. In the first weeks of exposure, the highest values of the carryover factor were noted in the duodenum and the jejunum. In animals receiving pure
zearalenone, the presence of metabolites was not determined in intestinal tissues. In the last three weeks of the experiment, very high values of the carryover factor were observed in the duodenum and the descending colon. The results of the study indicate that in animals exposed to subclinical doses of
zearalenone, the carryover factor could be determined by the distribution and expression of
estrogen receptor beta.